Lymph nodes are part of the lymphatic system and a vital part of the body’s immune system. Swollen lymph nodes are your body’s natural reaction to illness or infection. They act as filters that help rid the body of germs, cells, or other foreign matter that passes through your lymph fluid.
Your lymphatic system is a network of organs, vessels, and lymph nodes throughout the body. Many lymph nodes are located in the head and neck region, the armpits, and the groin where they frequently swell.
When lymph nodes swell, it is a sign that something is wrong somewhere in your body. When they first swell, you might notice:
- Tenderness and pain in the lymph nodes
- Swelling that may be the size of a pea or kidney bean, or even larger in the lymph node
Depending on the cause of the swollen lymph nodes, other signs and symptoms might include:
- Runny nose, sore throat, fever, and other indications of an upper respiratory infection
- General swelling of lymph nodes throughout your body. When this happens, it can indicate an infection.
- Hard, fixed, rapidly growing nodes, indicating possible cancer
- Fever
- Night sweats
The most common cause of swollen lymph nodes is an infection, particularly a viral infection, such as the common cold. Other possible causes of swollen lymph nodes include:
- Common infections
- Strep throat
- Measles
- Ear infections
- An infected (abscessed) tooth
- Skin or wound infections, such as cellulitis
- HIV
- Uncommon infections
- Tuberculosis
- Certain sexually transmitted diseases, such as syphilis
- Toxoplasmosis- a parasitic infection resulting from contact with the feces of an infected cat or eating undercooked meat
- Cat scratch fever- a bacterial infection from a cat scratch or bite
- Immune system disorders
- Lupus
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Cancers
- Lymphoma
- Leukemia
- Other cancers that have spread to the lymph nodes
To diagnose what is causing your swollen lymph nodes, your healthcare provider may need:
- Your medical history
- A physical exam
- Blood tests
- Imaging studies
- A lymph node biopsy
Swollen lymph nodes caused by a virus usually return to normal after the viral infection ends. Treatment for swollen lymph nodes from other causes depends on the cause:
- Infection- antibiotics are the most common treatment for lymph nodes caused by bacterial infections. If your swollen lymph nodes are due to an HIV infection, you’ll receive specific treatment for that condition.
- Immune disorder- if your swollen lymph nodes are caused by certain conditions, such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, treatment is directed at the underlying condition.
- Cancer- swollen lymph nodes caused by cancer require treatment for the cancer. Depending on the type of cancer, treatment may involve surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy.
To make an appointment with an ENT doctor at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-206-7110.
All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.